Restaurant Reivew
Portofino's Italian
While Greenville's food scene is constantly expanding, there is still a noticeable lack of quality Italian restaurants in the area. While Portofino's will likely be far from the best Italian food you have ever tasted, it is one of the better choices in the Upstate. That being said, for affordable Italian fare and a cozy casual vibe, look no further than Portofino's.
Food
At Portofinos, you can expect to find all your favorite traditional Italian foods. From Chicken Parmesan, to Pomodoro, to Shrimp and Scallop Fettuccine in a creamy cheese sauce, there is something here for everyone.
First off, you will be brought out some fresh rolls and their famous house salad. The salad is actually really good - the best part of the meal actually. While waiting for your entrees to arrive, start with the combo appetizer which includes fried mozzarella, ravioli, and artichoke hearts.
As the case at any Italian restaurant, there are many tempting comfort dishes to choose amongst. The Fettuccine Alfredo and Veggie Lasagna are both excellent filling choices.
Entrees are priced on the high side ($15-20+) although this includes the rolls & salad, so really a decent enough deal to warrant a visit.
Service
Service at Portofinos was a bit slow and they could probably do with hiring a few more waiters.
Atmosphere
The ambiance here is very casual compared to the fine dining Italian establishments populating Main Street. The vibe is a bit cozier and more local, and thus, more attractive for a casual dining experience.
Final Remarks
Portofino's is one of your better choices if you happen to be visiting Greenville and craving authentic Italian fare. While there are numerous Italian restaurants lining Main Street, many of these are stuffy, overpriced establishments. Go the casual route, save some money, and treat yourself to a laid-back meal at a local favorite like Portofino's.
